Ready to explore the bold and innovative wedding trends taking over 2025? Joined by returning guest Meghan Ely, we dive into the latest in wedding inspiration!

As we step into 2025, weddings are becoming more personalized and vibrant than ever. This year, bold color palettes and upscale neon are redefining aesthetics.

Returning guest Meghan Ely shares insights on how couples are embracing a playful mix of patterns, textures, and even nostalgic elements like Hong Kong-style wedding photography.

The wild florals trend is in full bloom, showcasing arrangements that defy traditional shapes, while caterpillar seating brings a fresh twist to reception layouts.

Fashion is equally daring, with embroidered suits stealing the spotlight and wedding party attire taking matching to new heights.

Beyond appearances, the focus on guest experience continues to deepen, with creative check-in areas and customized beverage options setting the tone for unforgettable celebrations. Get ready to embrace the chaos and creativity of this year’s wedding trends!

Highlights:

• Vibrant color palettes, including upscale neon and unique pairings.
• Wild, unstructured floral arrangements redefining decor.
• Caterpillar seating layouts filling spaces creatively.
• Embroidered suits adding flair to wedding fashion.
• Elevated guest check-in areas mimicking concierge services.
• Nostalgic Hong Kong-style wedding photography making a comeback.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these 2025 wedding trends! Leave us a review, share this episode, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on all things wedding planning.

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Ready for a behind-the-scenes recap of our first year in the podcasting world? From humor-filled conversations to inspiring insights, we’re looking back at it all!

As we wrap up 2024, I’m joined by a special guest co-host, August Yocher. August is our brand manager at Fantasy Sound Event Services, and today, she’s stepping in to help me reflect on some of our favorite podcast moments from this year.

Our very first episode with my sister (IYKYK), Meghan Ely, set the tone for balancing humor with professionalism. We shared stories about pranks and behind-the-scenes laughter, reminding everyone that a little fun can go a long way in the wedding business. This lighthearted dynamic carried through the year, creating a relatable and engaging experience for listeners.

Another standout was Julian Ribinik’s episode on fighting fatigue and stress. His advice resonated deeply, inspiring me to trade iced tea for water—a life-changing shift that’s improved my energy and focus. It’s incredible how one conversation can spark such impactful changes.

We also explored profound topics like managing ADHD in the wedding industry with Megan Gillikin. Her productivity hacks and strategies for staying organized brought a fresh perspective to the challenges faced by many professionals. It was a reminder that embracing our quirks can lead to growth and success.

From lessons on marketing by Phillip Van Nostrand to insights on team culture with Your Jubilee Weddings, every episode left us with actionable takeaways. This year has been a whirlwind of learning, laughter, and connection, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Episode Highlights:

• Celebrating the humor and professionalism balance in the wedding industry.
• How Julian Ribinik’s advice inspired a healthier lifestyle.
• ADHD productivity hacks from Megan Gillikin that resonated with entrepreneurs.
• Phillip Van Nostrand’s unique marketing strategies and building genuine connections.
• Insights into team culture and fostering growth from Your Jubilee Weddings.
• Reflecting on the importance of listening and setting client expectations with The Flower Guy Bron.

We want to hear from you! What did you think of our first year? Share your favorite moments, leave a review, and don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast with others. Your feedback helps us grow and deliver even better content in the coming year!

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Want to create lasting relationships with venues and become a go-to vendor? Discover the secrets to thriving partnerships that can transform your business.

Navigating the dynamic relationship between venues and vendors can be a game-changer for wedding professionals. Shannon Tarrant, founder of Venue Help Desk, shares her insider expertise on how to foster strong partnerships and why these relationships are essential for long-term success.

As a former venue sales and marketing director, Shannon has seen it all—the good, the bad, and the outright lazy attempts vendors make to secure a spot on preferred vendor lists. She emphasizes that it's about more than just asking to "get on the list." It's about building trust, maintaining open communication, and consistently delivering exceptional service.

Shannon highlights the power of referrals. Clients who come through venues close faster and often spend more because trust has already been established. She also stresses the importance of going beyond the basics: engage on social media, tag venues in your posts, and find creative ways to add value to their events.

Being proactive is another cornerstone of Shannon’s advice. Reach out to venues before your event, ask how to meet their expectations, and always follow up after the event to get feedback. By doing this, you’re not only strengthening your reputation but also ensuring that you remain on their radar for future recommendations.

Whether you’re a seasoned vendor or just starting, Shannon’s practical strategies remind us that relationships, not cold emails, pave the way to success.

• The benefits of venue referrals: faster bookings and higher client spend.
• How to build relationships through social media engagement and tagging.
• Why reaching out before and following up after events strengthens partnerships.
• Creative ways to add value, like extra setup touches or support during venue events.
• How to handle mistakes professionally: own them, communicate openly, and implement solutions to rebuild trust.
• Tips for finding opportunities with new venues and trending vendors.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Please take a moment to share your feedback, leave a rating, and review the show. Don’t forget to subscribe and share it with your fellow wedding professionals.

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Has "luxury" lost its meaning in the wedding industry? Let’s redefine what truly makes an experience luxurious.

Luxury weddings. The term evokes images of opulence and grandeur, but has it lost its meaning in the wedding industry? Ashley Allan, an experienced wedding planner and marketing professor, tackles this controversial topic head-on. Ashley argues that the word "luxury" has been overused and misrepresented, diluting its value and creating confusion for both vendors and clients.

As Ashley explains, true luxury goes beyond high price tags—it’s about personalization, precision, and delivering an experience that anticipates client needs before they’re even realized. Drawing on her experience in both planning and marketing, she shares how couples seeking authentic luxury can spot the difference and why vendors should rethink how they define and market their services.

We also explore the critical touchpoints that distinguish a luxury experience from a standard one. Ashley likens it to her time dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where every detail, from service to ambiance, was thoughtfully curated. Similarly, in the wedding industry, vendors who aspire to serve luxury clients must master every aspect of their process to deliver excellence consistently.

Luxury is about exceeding expectations, not just using a buzzword to raise rates. Whether you're a vendor hoping to level up or a couple navigating the industry, this episode sheds light on what luxury truly means—and how it can elevate your wedding experience.

I think it’s so important for us as wedding professionals to be okay with finding success in the middle tier. I get why some vendors lean into the word "luxury"—it’s tempting because it feels like it justifies charging more. But the truth is, using that label without really delivering on the experience can create unrealistic expectations and lead to unhappy clients.

Remember these experiences often require a level of energy, resources, and constant attention to detail that can leave anyone feeling exhausted. There’s nothing wrong with finding joy and pride in working with middle-tier clients. These couples make up the majority of the market, and they’re just as deserving of amazing service.

At the end of the day, success isn’t about slapping a label on your business. It’s about delivering what you promise and creating unforgettable experiences for your clients.

• The overuse of "luxury" in the wedding industry and its impact on client expectations
• Why true luxury is defined by personalization, precision, and exceeding expectations
• Key indicators of luxury weddings, such as cost-per-guest benchmarks and enhanced service
• How Ashley’s Michelin-star dining experience informs her understanding of luxury service
• The importance of vendors aligning their marketing with their actual service quality
• Actionable tips for vendors aspiring to elevate their client experience

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with fellow wedding professionals, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights!

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Are you running your wedding business based on feelings? Tom Chelednik shares why facts and numbers are the real game-changers.

Numbers don’t lie, and neither does the success they can bring to your wedding business. Tom is a seasoned expert in sales and marketing with over a decade at The Knot; he shared invaluable insights on how to stop making decisions based on feelings and start relying on facts. His deep understanding of the wedding industry offers a fresh perspective on tackling the challenges professionals face today.

Tom highlights the generational shift brought on by Gen Z couples, emphasizing the need to adapt everything from pricing to marketing strategies. By closely examining your business metrics—like lead-to-booking rates, follow-up processes, and consultation strategies—you can make data-driven decisions that ensure profitability and longevity. As he explains, the math will show you where to focus your efforts for the best results.

Through real-life case studies, Tom illustrates how businesses can turn their struggles into triumphs. One standout example? A photography business that went from panic mode with just seven bookings to thriving by implementing smarter follow-up practices and analyzing cost per lead. By adjusting their approach, they doubled their bookings and set themselves up for long-term success.

He also stresses the importance of automation and video marketing in standing out from the competition. Incorporating tools like Flowdesk and personalized videos in lead replies can significantly boost response rates and engagement. Tom’s advice is clear: start implementing these changes now, or risk falling behind in an evolving industry.

Whether you're tracking your lead sources, tweaking your email templates, or refining your consultation process, his advice empowers wedding professionals to take control of their success. The key takeaway? Facts, not feelings, are the foundation of a thriving wedding business.

• How to analyze your cost per lead and why it’s crucial for success.
• The importance of adapting to Gen Z’s expectations in pricing and marketing.
• Real-life case study: turning seven bookings into 34 with data-driven strategies.
• Tips for creating engaging lead replies, including the power of video.
• Why automation tools like Flowdesk are game-changers for follow-up processes.
• The significance of tracking lead-to-booking rates to identify areas for improvement.

If you found this episode helpful, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a review, share the episode, and don’t forget to rate us. Your feedback means the world and helps us bring more valuable content your way.

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Discover how Julian Ribinik turned his life around from burnout and exhaustion to vibrant health—and how wedding pros can apply his journey to overcome stress and feel energized!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julian, a celebrated wedding photographer who turned his personal health challenges into a mission to help wedding professionals thrive. He shares his journey from juggling corporate life and wedding photography to facing a wake-up call about his health—and how he regained control.

Through small but significant lifestyle changes, Julian revitalized his energy and overcame stress. We dive into how embracing strength training, cutting caffeine, and optimizing sleep transformed his life. Along the way, we discuss the specific hurdles wedding pros face, from long hours to unpredictable schedules, and how to tackle them with practical solutions.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on the connection between mental and physical health, tips for better stress management, and the steps you can take to feel more energized. Whether you’re battling exhaustion or just looking to enhance your well-being, Julian’s story offers guidance and inspiration.

As an added bonus, Julian is offering an exclusive free one-on-one consultation for listeners! This is a real opportunity to take the first step toward a healthier, more energized you—don’t miss out.

• Julian Ribinik’s journey from corporate life to wedding photography and wellness coaching.
• How Julian overcame chronic fatigue and lost 90 pounds to regain his health.
• The science behind stress and how it impacts wedding professionals.
• Practical tips to boost energy, reduce stress, and improve your sleep quality.
• The benefits of strength training and the role of proper nutrition in reducing fatigue.
• The surprising impact of caffeine on stress and fatigue—and why reducing it can be life-changing.

Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know! Please leave a review, give us a rating, and share the show with your fellow wedding professionals. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content just for you.

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Are you ready to discover why strong client relationships are at the heart of a successful wedding business? Today, I’m joined by Craig Peterman, a seasoned wedding photographer and videographer, who shares how building genuine connections with clients and vendors can make all the difference in our industry.

Craig brings over a decade of experience capturing weddings. We talk about how strong client relationships have shaped his career and why they are essential for long-term success. Craig dives into how the wedding landscape has changed over the years, especially with the shift to more virtual interactions post-pandemic, and how professionals can adapt to connect with today’s clients.

We explore actionable methods to build trust with clients, from asking the right questions during consultations to maintaining communication throughout the planning process. Craig emphasizes the importance of balancing professionalism and friendliness without crossing boundaries and why finding that balance comes with experience.

Craig also shares the value of creating connections that last beyond the wedding day, including ways to stay engaged with clients and become their go-to vendor for future life events. He even touches on the hot-button topic of offering referral discounts and what vendors should consider before deciding if it’s right for them.

If you're looking to deepen your client and vendor relationships and stay relevant in a changing market, Craig’s advice is not to be missed. Get practical tips and insights that you can put into practice to build stronger, lasting connections in the wedding industry.

Highlights:

• The importance of building strong relationships with clients and vendors to sustain and grow your business.
• How wedding professionals can adapt their approach to connect with Gen Z clients.
• Methods to build trust and create genuine connections with clients through strategic communication.
• The role of questionnaires and tips in enhancing client interaction and setting expectations.
• How to maintain a relationship with clients post-wedding and stay top of mind for future events.
• Insights on whether offering referral discounts is beneficial and how to navigate vendor relationships.

Do you have questions you'd like us to answer or topics you want to hear about? Drop us a message! And don’t forget to share, like, and subscribe to keep up with all our upcoming episodes. Your support helps us bring valuable tips and insights straight to your feed.

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Are you ready to elevate your design game with the help of Canva? Discover insider tips and tricks with verified Canva expert Brenda Cadman as she shares the secrets to a more organized, streamlined, and efficient creative process!

This episode explores the creative potential of Canva for wedding professionals, as Kevin and Brenda discuss how to build a visually cohesive client experience that goes beyond social media graphics. Brenda shares practical ways to use Canva for everything from custom proposals and polished presentations to branded client materials, helping wedding professionals create a memorable and consistent look throughout every client touchpoint.

To make the most of Canva’s features, Brenda explains the importance of organizing projects with a brand kit and a curated template library, making it easy to keep designs on-brand and professional. She also offers insights on using live presentation modes and other collaborative tools that can save time and reduce the need for advanced design skills.

With this episode, listeners will come away with actionable tips on building a streamlined workflow and creating impactful visual elements that enhance the client journey—without the need for a graphic design background.

Highlights:

• Brenda’s Journey to Canva Expertise: From website development to Canva verified status
• Organization Tips: The power of folders and brand kits for a streamlined workflow
• Efficiency Tricks: How to set up templates that save time and maintain brand consistency
• Pro vs. Free: What makes Canva Pro worth the investment for professionals
• Getting Started: How even beginners can make the most of Canva without feeling overwhelmed

If you enjoy this enjoyed this eposide? Don’t forget to subscribe, share with your fellow creatives, and follow Mind Your Wedding Business for more insights. Leave us a rating and review to help others discover the show!

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